Marvel Universe Online Announced

Apparently the lawsuit Marvel filed on Cryptic awhile back didn’t leave any hard feelings:

Marvel Entertainment and Cryptic Studios Unveil ‘Marvel Universe Online’

Video Game Luminaries Join Forces to Bring Marvel’s Iconic Universe of Super Heroes Exclusively to Windows Vista and Xbox 360 Platforms

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: MVL – News) announced further details around its eagerly awaited project based on the Marvel universe of Super Heroes. Marvel Entertainment confirmed that Cryptic Studios has been named the developer of “Marvel Universe Online,” the highly anticipated massively multiplayer online (MMO) video game exclusive to Xbox 360 and Windows Vista and to be published by Microsoft Game Studios.

“The huge Marvel fan base has been eagerly awaiting new information on our massive multiplayer online game,” said David Maisel, Executive Vice President, Office of the Chief Executive, Marvel Entertainment. We are proud to have a premiere developer such as Cryptic Studios who has had such incredible success in the online gaming world developing this game. Marvel, Microsoft and Cryptic are committed to creating the definitive interactive Marvel universe experience via this massive multiplayer online game.”

“The vision behind the alliance of Microsoft Game Studios, Cryptic Studios and Marvel is to expand the MMO genre and create an epic gaming experience exclusively for Xbox 360 and Windows Vista gamers to experience together online,” said Shane Kim, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios. “Cryptic Studios is widely respected for their established track record of innovation and understanding of the MMO space, and they are a perfect fit for the creation of the best possible experience in ‘Marvel Universe Online.'”

“As an independent developer, Cryptic Studios has the freedom to make games and forge partnerships that we are truly passionate about,” said Michael Lewis, president of Cryptic Studios. “Cryptic Studios and Microsoft Game Studios share a common vision for online gaming and commitment to quality titles. Together with Marvel we will create a new exciting game that captures the uniqueness of the Marvel IP.”

Cryptic Studios brings a history of excellence in MMO design and best-of-breed community support to the development of “Marvel Universe Online.” “Marvel Universe Online” will unite gamers in a cross-platform experience, allowing for Xbox 360 and Windows Vista users to play alongside one another.

Marvel’s repertoire of Super Heroes have evolved from the pages of comic books to become driving forces in entertainment, from the silver screen to television shows and best-selling video games, including “Spider-Man,” “X-Men” and “The Hulk” franchises. As part of an MMO gaming experience, “Marvel Universe Online” players will be able to interact simultaneously in a truly unique atmosphere featuring all their favorite Marvel characters, creatures and villains.

About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

With a library of over 5,000 characters, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel’s operations are focused on utilizing its character franchises in licensing, entertainment, publishing and toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films, DVD/home video, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative success of over sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel’s strategy is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world. For more information visit www.marvel.com.

About Cryptic Studios

Cryptic Studios(TM), Inc., located in Los Gatos, California, was established in July of 2000 and is an independent employee-owned developer of massively multiplayer online games for the PC and next generation consoles. Cryptic’s first game, “City of Heroes,” launched in April 2004 to popular acclaim, garnering the top accolades in the industry, from Best of Show at E3 to multiple Game of the Year awards. The game takes place in a virtual world where thousands of people play simultaneously, take on the role of super-powered heroes, fight villains and help create a dynamic story in a visually-stunning, 3-D graphical world.